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Building Tips and technical articles. => Paint and finishing => Topic started by: Tim Wescott on July 18, 2010, 12:29:53 AM
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How do you do this:
I have the Really Nifty Profile making good enough progress that I'm looking forward to finishing it. I'm planning on painting the fuselage with the Minwax acrylic & Rustoleum system, and covering the wings and stab with Ultracoat. This is all well and good, but what's the normal order of operations?
I had thought to cover the surfaces and finish the fuselage separately, then do the final assembly. This looks like my best chance for a balance between a good finish and not spending too much time. But it also appears to rule out fillets (I can live without fillets). And given the way that I usually get things done, it leaves a huge chance of getting a bit too much epoxy smeared in places I don't really want it.
Is this the 'normal' build order for such a mixed-finish aircraft? Or am I missing something obvious?
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yep = pretty normal = although you can also paint the fuse once the wing is in place and use the epoxy that you glued the wing in with as a nice "little" fillet.
Put masking tape out about 1/8 - 1/4" from where the fuse lines up - use your finger to smooth the epoxy into the joint (use isopropal alchohol to help). Once the epoxy starts to kick - take the tape off and the exposed edge will settle down into a nice smooth transition.....then paint it!
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Wynn is exactly right. I've done this many times with excellent results. The other nice thing about this procedure is that the epoxy seals the seam of the covering so fuel cannot seep in under the edge. I scuff the covering after laying down the tape and the clean with alcohol. Helps the epoxy stick to the covering. After pulling up the tape, don't touch the epoxy for 24 hours. The temptation is strong, but it's still soft because of the alcohol used on your finger. Scuff the cured epoxy to a dull finish before painting. Primer/paint doesn't stick well to glossy epoxy. Good luck.
Paul
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This sounds like a plan. I think I'll get the fuselage finished up to the "ready for paint" stage, so that once the plane is assembled I minimize the amount of sanding that I need to do with wings and tail attached.
Then squirt the color on the fuse and fillets.
Then finish the control system.
Then fly!!
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I have been using "Superfil" recently for the filets. I find it works great. It is sandable after drying (about 24 hours) and when being applied, can be smoothed with a moist finger. It is a 2 part aircraft epoxy. I purchased a "lifetime" supply from Aircraft Spruce for about 20 bucks.